Page 24 of It's a British Christmas

“Are you cold, Miss Chambers?” Penrose regarded her.

Cold? She was ready to rip off her clothes. “No. I’m fine.”

Penrose stood. “Ladies, as much as I’ve enjoyed your company, there are things I must attend to before dinner.” He bowed to his mother and kissed her hand, then turned to Merry. With that predatory look in his eyes, he took her hand in his, and brought it slowly to his mouth, all the time staring in her eyes. Her breath caught. He rested his lips on her hand, casting a devilish smile he did so well. “Until later.”

Merry was both angry and about to self-combust. She did not want him to affect her in this manner. As he continually reminded her, he was a duke and she not even a member of the ton. But did he ever say that, or had she gotten that impression from Miss Jennings? She chided herself. No matter. The fact remained there could never be anything between them. And she didn’t need the governess to remind her of it.

The next afternoon Merry tapped on the library door.

“Enter.” The duke’s deep voice rolled over her.

He sat behind his massive desk, papers scattered about, a quill pen in his hand. He glanced up as she entered, a smile gracing his lips. “Good afternoon.”

“Your Grace,” she curtsied.

“Merry, please stop. You keep bobbing up and down every time you see me, and I’m becoming dizzy.” He grinned. “And I’m dismayed to find we’re back to ‘Your Grace,’ again.”

She felt the blush rise to her face. “I would ask a favor, Your…”

“Yes?”

“I seek permission to allow the girls to join me outside.”

“Outside? There must be a foot of snow out there.” He jerked his head in the direction of the window displaying a fairyland of white glistening on tree branches.

“That’s precisely why.” She swallowed a giggle at his puzzled expression.

“I’m afraid I’m confused. Why would you all go out into the snow?”

“To play.” She dragged out the last word.

“Play?” His puzzled expression made her laugh.

“Yes. Cavort. Have fun. Run around in the snow. Throw snowballs. Slide down the hill.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t tell me you’ve never played in the snow.”

He bristled. “Of course. When I was a boy.”

“Ah. Maybe it’s time to put all those papers aside and become a boy again.”

Penrose shook his head. “Nonsense. I haven’t time for that.”

“In any event, may I invite the girls to go outdoors with me?”

He leaned back in his chair, eying her carefully. “That is Miss Jenning’s territory. You should be asking her permission.”

Merry’s shoulders slumped. “I’m afraid Miss Jennings is not too receptive to my requests. Things would fare better if you gave permission. I would hate to see the girls excited and then have their hopes dashed if she says no.”

He pushed back his chair and stood. “Come. We’ll go to the nursery and fetch the girls. I need to stretch my legs anyway.”

The sound of young voices repeating multiplication tables greeted them as they opened the school room door.

“Your Grace,” Miss Jennings tittered, smoothing back her hair. Her cheeks flushed as she curtsied. “What a pleasure to have you join us.” She turned to Charlotte and Clare. “Ladies, please, remember your manners. Stand and curtsy to the duke.”

Both girls curtsied gracefully and wished Penrose a good day. Merry was impressed. Perhaps Miss Jennings was better for the girls. Merry always had too soft of a heart to discipline them.

“Miss Jennings, Miss Chambers would like to have the girls join her outside to play.”

“Play?” Miss Jennings glanced at Merry, her eyes wide.